Rhode Island General Laws Title 27. Insurance § 27-73-2. Program implementation

(a) Upon recommendation of the uniform health-care benefit plan designs or at such other time as specified herein or as specified in §§ 28-9.3-2 and 28-9.4-3, all public school districts and charter schools may implement one or more benefit plan design(s) including, but not limited to, those recommended in accordance with this chapter.

(b) Upon expiration of collective bargaining agreements, recommended benefit plan designs recommended by the board in accordance with this chapter may be specified in future collective bargaining agreements.

(c) Choice of benefit plan designs from those recommended in accordance with § 27-73-4, medical insurance cost-sharing, payment for waiving medical insurance, eligibility for receiving benefits, and providing benefits for retirees shall continue to be negotiated pursuant to §§ 28-9-3 and 28-9-4.

(d) Each municipality, district, or charter school, may, at its discretion, contract for and manage benefit plans under this chapter, either directly or indirectly, through municipal, district, or charter arrangements with insurance purchasing collaboratives or joint purchasing groups.